Police Blame Soured Drug Deal For Chase ,crash Along S.r. 434

LONGWOOD — Police said Monday they believe a drug deal that soured caused a chase along State Road 434 that ended when two cars collided and one of the drivers was arrested for numerous violations.

The cars were racing along S.R. 434 and weaving through traffic about 11 a.m. Saturday, according to statements from several witnesses.

Police records state that Thomas Steven Smith, 31, 710 Oak Street, Orlando, was driving east on S.R. 434 at the intersection of Grant Street when he rammed the back of a car driven by Scott Eugene Richardson, 21, 610 Cambridge Court, Longwood.

Richardson did not stop after the accident, then drove about three blocks to Myrtle Street where he parked the car in a wooded area and left on foot, police said. Officer Paul Boggs found the abandoned car around noon and while Boggs was investigating, Richardson returned to the car and turned himself in. No one was seriously injured in the accident. Police said the men gave conflicting stories about how the chase began.

Smith was given a traffic citation for failure to use due care while driving. Richardson was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving under a suspended license and being an accessory to a strongarm robbery. He also was wanted in Orange County under a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, a police spokesman said. Richardson posted a $3,000 bond Saturday to be released from the Seminole County jail.